"Steeltown USSR" by Stephen Kotkin is an incredibly captivating exploration of the transformation of Magnitogorsk, an industrial city in the Soviet Union, during the mid-20th century. Kotkin's meticulous research and engaging storytelling provide a fascinating historical account of how this once desolate rural area evolved into a prominent steel-producing hub,...
Stephen Kotkin's "Magnetic Mountain: Stalinism as a Civilization" is an extraordinary and thought-provoking book that delves into the intricate nature of Stalinism. Instead of merely analyzing it as a political system, Kotkin highlights its distinct characteristics and values, presenting it as a unique civilization. Throughout the book, the author examines...
"Armageddon Averted: The Soviet Collapse, 1970-2000" by Stephen Kotkin offers a comprehensive analysis of the Soviet Union's collapse, with a focus on the period from 1970 to 2000. The book goes beyond popular beliefs about external pressures being the sole cause of the collapse and delves into the complex internal...